How to Play the G Shape Barre Chord on Guitar
To play the G shape barre chord, move the 3-finger open G chord up the neck. Use an index-finger barre, one finger pressing several strings at the same fret, across strings 4, 3 and 2. The other notes land 2 and 3 frets higher. The root, the note that names the chord, is on string 6.
The full G shape spans 4 frets, and few players strum all 6 strings. Most use a partial G shape instead. For the wider system, see the CAGED overview. The sections below cover the full G shape, its partial shapes, chord names, and practice.
The open G chord you already know
String 1 is the thinnest string, the high E. String 6 is the thickest string, the low E. Finger 1 is the index, and finger 4 is the pinky.
Play the 3-finger open G chord and check each string from string 6 to string 1:
- String 6 at fret 3 is G, the root.
- String 5 at fret 2 is B, the major 3rd.
- String 4 is an open string. It is D, the perfect 5th.
- String 3 is an open string. It is G, the root.
- String 2 is an open string. It is B, the major 3rd.
- String 1 at fret 3 is G, the root.
Strings 4, 3 and 2 are open strings, so the nut sets their sounding point. When you move the chord up the neck, your index finger presses those strings at one fret.
Use the 3-finger open G as your model. Do not use the 4-finger version that frets string 2 at fret 3, because that version has different notes.
Turning open G into a movable shape
Refinger the open G
Play open G with your middle finger on string 5, your ring finger on string 6, and your pinky on string 1. Leave your index finger free so it can make the barre.
Barre strings 4, 3 and 2 and slide up
Move the G shape up the neck and call the index-finger fret n. Place your fingers as follows:
- Index finger: strings 4, 3 and 2 at fret n
- Middle finger: string 5 at fret n+2
- Ring finger: string 6 at fret n+3
- Pinky: string 1 at fret n+3
Fret n+1 stays empty. Keep that gap between the index finger and the other fingers. If you squeeze the fingers together, the G shape will lose its correct spacing.
Why it feels hard
The full G shape spans 4 frets, from fret n to fret n+3. The stretch feels wider near the nut because the frets are farther apart there.
Start with your index finger around frets 5 to 7, where the frets sit closer together. Move the G shape toward the lower frets after you can hold each note without strain.
Naming the chord from string 6
The note on string 6 at fret n+3 is the root, so it names the chord. The same root sits on string 3 at fret n and string 1 at fret n+3.
| Index fret | Root fret on string 6 | Chord |
|---|---|---|
| Fret 2 | Fret 5 | A major |
| Fret 3 | Fret 6 | B♭ major |
| Fret 4 | Fret 7 | B major |
| Fret 5 | Fret 8 | C major |
| Fret 7 | Fret 10 | D major |
| Fret 9 | Fret 12 | E major |
For C major, the root on string 6 lands at fret 8. Fret string 6 at fret 8, string 5 at fret 7, strings 4, 3 and 2 at fret 5, and string 1 at fret 8.
Partial G shapes guitarists actually play
The partial G shapes keep the same notes while reducing the stretch or number of strings. Choose the string group that fits the part you are playing.
Strings 4 to 1
Barre strings 4, 3 and 2 at fret n with your index finger. Fret string 1 at fret n+3 with your pinky.
From string 4 to string 1, the notes are the perfect 5th, root, major 3rd, and root. This is the fullest partial G shape without the stretch to strings 6 and 5.
Strings 3 to 1
Fret strings 3 and 2 at fret n, then fret string 1 at fret n+3. These notes are the root, major 3rd, and root.
This small triad suits rhythm parts and fills higher on the neck. Strum only strings 3, 2 and 1.
Strings 6 to 4
Fret string 6 at fret n+3, string 5 at fret n+2, and string 4 at fret n. This partial G shape contains the root, major 3rd, and perfect 5th.
Use these three thickest strings for bass-note shapes and runs in country and rock. Mute strings 3, 2 and 1 if you strum across them.
| Partial G shape | Strings | What it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Strings 4 to 1 | Strings 4, 3, 2 and 1 | Full-sounding rhythm chords |
| Strings 3 to 1 | Strings 3, 2 and 1 | Small triads, rhythm parts, and fills |
| Strings 6 to 4 | Strings 6, 5 and 4 | Bass-note shapes and runs |
Fixing buzzing and dead strings
Fingertips, not pads
Curl your middle and ring fingers so their pads do not touch string 4 or string 3. Contact from either finger can mute a note under the index-finger barre.
Play each string separately. If string 4 or string 3 is dead, adjust the curled finger beside it before adding more pressure.
The 3-string barre
Your index finger only needs to barre strings 4, 3 and 2. Tilt it slightly toward your thumb so the firmer edge near the thumb presses the strings.
Increase pressure only until all 3 strings ring. Extra pressure will tire your hand without correcting poor finger placement.
Thumb and wrist
Place your thumb lower behind the neck to open your hand for the 4-fret stretch. Keep the wrist relaxed rather than bending it sharply.
Adjust the thumb until the index finger can stay at fret n while the ring finger reaches fret n+3.
The G-shape minor chord
The full 6-string minor G shape is rarely played. Use a partial minor G shape on strings 3 to 1 instead: string 3 at fret n is the root, string 2 at fret n-1 is the minor 3rd, and string 1 at fret n+3 is the root.
For C minor, fret string 3 at fret 5, string 2 at fret 4, and string 1 at fret 8. Strum only strings 3, 2 and 1.
A practice routine
Build the G shape from string 1 upward
Start with the partial G shape on strings 4 to 1. Add string 5, then add string 6 when the first 4 strings ring clearly.
Name the root on string 6 before each strum. Try it now, before reading on: spend 2 minutes building the C major G shape at frets 5 to 8.
Short moves first
Slide the G shape 2 frets at a time with your index finger between frets 5 and 9. Release some pressure during each slide, then press again when your fingers land.
Keep your hand relaxed and play each string separately after every move. Correct any buzz before the next slide.
Major to minor on strings 3 to 1
Hold the major G shape with strings 3 and 2 at fret n and string 1 at fret n+3. Move only string 2 to fret n-1 for the minor G shape.
Alternate between the 2 shapes at the same root fret. Listen to string 2 change from the major 3rd to the minor 3rd.
Where the G shape fits in CAGED
For the same chord, the A shape sits below the G shape, and the E shape sits above it. For C major, the A shape begins at fret 3, the G shape spans frets 5 to 8, and the E shape has its barre at fret 8.
The G shape shares notes with both neighboring shapes. Its notes at fret 5 on strings 4, 3 and 2 are the same G, C and E found in the A shape. Its roots at fret 8 on strings 6 and 1 sit where the E shape has its barre.
See the A shape barre chord, the C shape, and the CAGED overview to follow the connected shapes.
In Guitamania, open C major in the chord library, go to the CAGED system view, and tap G to see the G shape across frets 5 to 8.